How to Become the Perfect Coworker

In today’s business world, coworkers often find themselves competing against each other for higher positions, bigger salaries and corner offices. In an attempt to always stay one step ahead of everyone else, employees fail to realize that they are causing undue stress in their job and creating a hostile work environment. The person who will stand out above the pack is the person who can claim the position of being the best coworker. Follow these simple tips for creating a productive work environment, and you may be the one selected for that next promotion.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Good attitude
• Professional demeanor

Become the Perfect Coworker

1. Be on time. The coworker who arrives late is usually the one most despised because the other employees have had to pick up their slack. Arriving on time shows that you respect other people’s time and that you are willing to pull your own weight in the company.
2. Don’t gossip. A surefire way to prove to your boss that you are ready for that next promotion is to show them that you do not get tangled up with other people’s personal affairs. Gossiping is unprofessional and only ignites hostility amongst your coworkers.
3. Be considerate. It is okay to listen to music in your cubicle, but be sure to keep it at a low decibel in order to not irritate your neighbors. Keep your phone conversations muted as well. Remember that you are in close quarters with other people, who may or may not want to hear your personal business.
4. Give credit where credit is due. It is hard to not be tempted to accept credit for a great project your boss likes, but the truth will eventually be told. Your boss will be more impressed that you were willing to humbly acknowledge another’s success than they will be for your accepting credit for something you didn’t do.
5. Be kind to everyone. We all have someone we can’t stand in our workplace, but kindness can go a long way. You don’t have to be friends with every coworker, but you can help create a friendly work environment by refusing to engage in slandering the person or by being rude to them. Be professionally courteous – as you would to a client you may not particularly like.

Tips & Warnings

• This is probably going to be your workplace for quite some time, so use these tips to make for a more enjoyable environment.

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